2023 Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 Review

The Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 was first launched six years ago, in 2017. It was this sporty street naked that offered good handling along with likeable design, that would have offered a bunch of street cred to the youth and young professionals. And now, after six years, the NS160 gets its biggest update yet! What all has changed, how’s the performance and does it still make sense to go for the NS 160? We have answers to all those questions in the review. 

New Updates

(The motorcycle now gets upside down front fork, standard dual-channel ABS and a bigger 300 mm disc brake up front)

The 2023 Bajaj Pulsar NS160 boasts of a fair few updates, but the biggest of them is the introduction of upside down front fork with a 33 mm inner tube and a 47 mm outer tube. Whether that affects the dynamics or not, we will come to that in a bit. Then, the motorcycle now gets dual-channel ABS as standard along with a bigger 300 mm disc up front. Adding to the updates are the new thicker tyres and the gunmetal-finished alloy wheels, which have been lifted straight from the Pulsar 250 twins.

(Instrument console sees a small update, getting gear position indicator, distance to empty readouts and average fuel efficiency)

Plus, the instrument console sees a few updates too which include a gear position indicator and a distance to empty reading on the small digital display to the right of the analogue rev counter, which is a welcome sight in the eras of fully digital instrument consoles. But along with the updates, we would have liked Bajaj to offer features like Bluetooth connectivity and LED lighting, which Bajaj says will be offered sooner than later. 

Engine & Performance

(The 160 cc engine is free-revving and offers more power and torque once the needle climbs above 5,00 rpms)

The 160 cc engine on the motorcycle stays the same, although it is now oil-cooled and is OBD-2 compliant, meeting the latest emission norms that come into effect from April 1, 2023. Now, the engine on the motorcycle was always a high-revving one, and it continues to be the same, with 85 per cent of power and torque coming in after 5,000 rpm. That means, the bottom end is on the weaker side, but as you cross 5,000 rpm, the engine comes alive and before you know, you will be hitting the rev-limiter more often than you think, and that definitely feels and sounds good. 

(You feel some vibrations after 8,000 rpm but it won't be a bother) 

There is decent pull in the mid-range but the top-end is enjoyable and honestly, a rarity in the 160 cc motorcycle segment. There is a bit of vibration as you cross 7,000-8,000 rpm on the handlebar, but it isn’t a put off! The 5-speed gearbox feels slick and operates smoothly as you work the gears in a jiffy when riding on city roads.    

Ride & Handling

(The Pulsar NS160 was always a sweet handler, but with the coming of the USDs, it becomes even better)

The USD fork on the 2023 Pulsar NS 160 definitely makes a difference to the way the motorcycle handles. The point-and-shoot ability only gets better, with the motorcycle responding better to steering inputs and the feedback is pretty decent too. And the perimeter frame offers exactly the kind of rigidity that you would want from a motorcycle that can drop and turn on a dime and make its way through traffic or even when carving corners. 

(The thicker tyres, coupled with the perimeter frame makes for a machine that inspires confidence when cornering at high speeds)

The grip from the fatter tyres add to the sense of confidence too. Plus, the motorcycle has a 50:50 weight distribution, which makes it easier to tip it into corners at higher speeds. The ride quality is a tad stiffer but no complains on that. It will handle bad roads with ease and minimal discomfort. And the braking is on point too, with decent enough bite from the bigger disc up front.

Prices & Competition

(The Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 is more expensive than its rivals but gets more kit when it comes to performance)

The 2023 Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 is priced at Rs. 134,675 (ex-showroom, Delhi), which is Rs. 10,000 more than the outgoing model. It goes up against its traditional rivals, the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V and the Hero Xtreme 160R. Both rivals get features like fully digital instrument console, Bluetooth and app connectivity, LED lighting and even riding modes, on the Apache RTR 160 4V. 

(The Pulsar NS 160 goes up against the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V and the Hero Xtreme 160R)

Prices of the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V range from Rs. 1.23 lakh to Rs. 1.31 lakh while the Hero Xtreme 160R is priced from Rs. 1.19 lakh to Rs. 1.30 lakh (ex-showroom). So, yeah, the Pulsar NS160 is more expensive than its rivals, but it gets the kit to justify that price as well, in the USD fork and dual-channel ABS.   

Verdict

(First launched in 2017, the Pulsar NS160 has commanded decent attention in the 160 cc motorcycle segment)

The Bajaj Pulsar’s story started way back in 2001 with a 150 cc and a 180 cc model! Fast forward 22 years and now, like any other family, the Bajaj Pulsar family has grown to 11 models, ranging from 125 cc to 250 cc. And yes, at times navigating through the Pulsar family tree does feel like trying to navigate through a labyrinth but it is a strategy that has worked for Bajaj over the years and that’s the reason they have stuck to it too! 

(Bajaj Auto recently launched the Pulsar NS160 and the NS200 with significant updates)

The Pulsar NS 160 is a sporty motorcycle, with easy-going nature and a free-revving engine that is best-equipped for performance in the 160 cc motorcycle segment with USD fork, perimeter frame and standard dual-channel ABS. Yes, it has a few misses too, which the competition gets, but as far as pure motorcycling joy is concerned, there is no missing that, on the 2023 Bajaj Pulsar NS 160. Plus, the official fuel efficiency figure on the Pulsar NS160 is 45 kmpl, pretty decent for a 160 cc motorcycle.